Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
A full ADHD diagnosis is expected to take two hours in most cases. It is usually an interview with a semi-structured format, psychoeducation about the condition (including in a language that is easily understood) and discussion of the impact of core symptoms on education, employment and social/family life including driving.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms include difficulties in attention, organization and emotion control. These difficulties can affect all aspects of life such as school or work and relationships with friends or family. For a diagnosis of adult ADHD, several inattentive symptoms and at least one hyperactive-impulsive symptom must have been present before age 12. The symptoms must also result in significant impairments in two or more situations in daily living.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association contains clinical guidelines to diagnose adults with ADHD. A qualified psychiatrist or psychologist will ask the person to provide a detailed account of their symptoms, including beginning and duration. They will also inquire about the problems these symptoms caused in the person's school, work or social life.
In addition to assessing the core ADHD symptoms it is important to check for any other mental health issues that often co-occur with ADHD or that mimic the symptoms (e.g. anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder). Particularly, the test should include questions about the person's mood, medical history and past medications used.
The patient can also be screened to see whether they have any physical or mental conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These could include sleep disturbances, headaches, and digestive issues. These conditions are often discovered to be co-morbid.
It is important to make sure that the symptoms of ADHD cannot be explained by other factors, such as a mood or medical disorder or addiction to drugs. Getting an accurate evaluation is crucial since the undiagnosed ADHD can lead to problems, such as chronic stress and low self-esteem, in adults, especially when they are repeatedly being told to do better or that their failures are their own fault.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting a proper diagnosis, because their symptoms are misinterpreted and/or not properly reported. This is particularly true in workplaces or schools which do not offer accommodations for those with ADHD. In these instances, people can experience a variety of feelings that range from joy to sadness over the loss of opportunities when they finally receive the diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, the first step is to get an assessment from a qualified professional. A reputable professional will be able to provide details regarding their training and experience working with adults with ADHD. Reluctance in this regard is to be considered a red flag and may be an indicator that you should consider looking for a different professional.
The assessment will include a detailed interview which will examine your development history, medical history and mental health history, current functioning and risk assessment. It will also identify symptoms and their impact. Additionally, the doctor will explore possible co-morbidities (e.g. a coexisting psychiatric disorder, or learning disability) and conduct an assessment of your social, interpersonal and work functioning.
The most important aspect of the assessment is to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This includes work and school as well as family/close connections as well as the impact of ADHD on your self-image. It is ideal to have the test conducted by multiple individuals to get a complete picture of your performance. It's not always feasible to have multiple people attend assessments. Therefore writing a summary written by one or more informants can be very helpful.
It is vital to determine whether your symptoms match the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This will include an explanation of how your symptoms impact your daily life. It will also explore whether you have had these symptoms since your childhood and, if yes how long. The test will also look at how your symptoms affect your daily functioning, and your ability to achieve your goals and aspirations.
ADHD can cause issues with organization in deciding on priorities and avoiding losing things. You could also be prone to expressing incorrect thoughts without thinking about the consequences. This can lead you to anger, when appointments are missed and tasks are left unfinished. Your attention and time will be occupied by distractions that are irrelevant.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to assess you if the symptoms of ADHD create issues at school or at work. first line treatment for adhd in adults will be able to offer advice on how to deal with the symptoms. If needed, they will refer you to an expert. If you decide to participate in a clinical trial your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits. These trials assist researchers in finding new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complicated than it was in childhood and the symptom lists used to diagnose children are not suitable for adults. A valid diagnosis is made through a careful clinical interview conducted by a qualified doctor who takes his or her time in the assessment.
Your doctor will ask you and someone who is familiar with you like parents or spouses for instance, about your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor may also employ standardized rating scales for ADHD that compare your behavior with that of people who don't have the disorder. You may also be offered an examination of your neurological system, which includes tests of balance and motor coordination.
Depending on your needs, other psychological or neuropsychological testing might be done, too. These tests can identify any co-existing conditions that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They can also show how ADHD affects your academic performance and relationships.
Sleep disorders often go hand with ADHD and getting a good night's rest can greatly reduce the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a plan for bedtime and waking time to help you get enough rest to function. They may also advise you to avoid the use of nicotine, caffeine and sweet foods, which can worsen your ADHD symptoms.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from participating in clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that examine the efficacy of treatment methods in patients or healthy volunteers. They are conducted both at NIMH and other sites. A clinical trial is designed to discover more effective and efficient ways to detect, prevent or treat illnesses.
The following is a list of preventatives.
If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child it is likely your symptoms will continue throughout your adulthood. The symptoms can interfere with relationships, work, and school. Adults with ADHD might benefit from medication and psychotherapy. Finding a health professional who can evaluate ADHD in adults is important. Ask your doctor for a recommendation or contact your insurance company for assistance. You can also ask for recommendations from an ADHD support group in your local area.
During an ADHD evaluation, the health healthcare provider or mental health professional will ask questions and collect information from you, your family members, colleagues and friends. The professional will employ the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of ADHD. The doctor might also use psychometric tests to evaluate your working memory, executive functions (abilities like planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual thinking abilities.
The person who conducts your assessment will determine the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will use open-ended questions as well as real-world examples to help you explain your symptoms. You should be able to give clear examples of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. It is essential to discuss any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
Many people who have ADHD have a hard time remembering their childhood behavior and, therefore, the health care professional or mental health specialist will likely interview someone who knows you well, such as a close family member, partner, or a family member. They may request your parents to fill out an ephemeral ADHD Profile that describes your childhood habits.
Some adults with ADHD work in large organizations and might not want to tell their co-workers or managers about their disorder. It's best to be upfront with your employer or professor. They may be willing make accommodations for you in your workplace or offer you extra time to finish assignments. You may also be able to participate in a clinical trial to test new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and other research institutes with volunteers.